Vietnam

How to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 500 kilometers (311 miles) from Phong Nha to Hanoi. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: June 6, 2024

Leaving from...

Going to...

Why visit Hanoi?

Hanoi is Vietnam’s bustling capital, where heritage and modernity collide. At its heart is the iconic Old Quarter bustling with cosy hotels, old residential buildings and neighbourhood cafes. Composed of 36 streets, just walking around this area will reward you with many amazing discoveries.

Must-visit sites include the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the 19th-century gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We recommend munching on as much street food as you can, strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, and our favourite: watching the world go by from one of the many coffee shops in Hanoi.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Phong Nha to Hanoi?

There are 3 ways to travel the 500 kilometers (311 miles) from Phong Nha to Hanoi. You can choose between the bus, train and flight. The journey takes 3 to 14 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 351,000 VND ($13.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

8h 30m - 10h

From 351,000 VND ($13.50)

Book Tickets

Train

11h 30m - 14h

From 497,000 VND ($19.10)

Book Tickets

Flight

From 865,000 VND ($33)

Where to stay in Hanoi?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Hanoi at the bottom of this page.

Phong Nha to Hanoi by Bus

Duration: 8h 30m - 10h

Costs: 351,000 VND ($13.50)

Duration: 8h 30m - 10h

Costs: 351,000 VND ($13.50)

There are several companies operating sleeper buses from Phong Nha to Hanoi.

With a sleeper bus, you’ll get a standard sleeping bunk, usually with a blanket as well as drinks and snacks. Bus fares from Phong Nha to Hanoi start from 351,000 VND ($13.50). You can pre-book a sleeper bus ticket through BookAway.

If you’re looking for more comfort for the 8 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours journey, you can also get a limousine cabin sleeper with Hung Long. Tickets are more expensive at 600,000 VND ($23), but you’ll also get a nicer bed as well as curtains for privacy.

You can book a VIP ride from Phong Nha to Hanoi via Baolau.

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from various hotels along the main street in Phong Nha.

In Hanoi, they arrive at their own headquarters, mostly located just a few minutes walk to Hoan Kiem Lake. Only Camel Travel and Hung Long park a bit outside of the city centre, about 3 km south of the Old Quarter.

Bus schedules from Phong Nha to Hanoi

Central Backpackers Hostel Phong Nha

Sleeping

200 Tran Quang Khai

21:00

10h

07:00

To Vietnam Travel

From 351,000 VND ($13.50)

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

Sleeping

208 D. Tran Quang Khai

21:00

06:00

Green Trips

351,000 VND ($13.50)

Get Your Tickets

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

Sleeping

8 Bat Su, Old Quarter

21:00

06:00

TBus

388,000 VND ($14.90)

Get Your Tickets

Phong Nha SSB

Sleeping

Hanoi SSB

21:00

8h 20m

05:20

21:45

8h 20m

06:05

Grouptour - obsolete

411,000 VND ($15.80)

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

Sleeping

Office 208 Tran Quang Khai, Old Quarter

21:00

06:00

Queen Cafe Bus

424,000 VND ($16.30)

Get Your Tickets

Nam Anh Hotel (opposite)

Luxury Sleeping

Hung Long Hanoi Office

19:00

9h 20m

04:20

Hung Long

429,000 VND ($16.50)

Get Your Tickets

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

Luxury Sleeping

Office 208 Tran Quang Khai, Old Quarter

21:00

10h

07:00

Queen Cafe Bus

437,000 VND ($16.80)

Get Your Tickets

Phong Nha Hung Thanh Bus Office

Sleeping

Ha Noi Full Moon Party Tour

20:30

8h 40m

05:10

20:40

8h 40m

05:20

20:50

8h 40m

05:30

Full Moon Party

437,000 VND ($16.80)

Thien Phu Hostel

VIP Sleeping

Ha Noi Office

21:05

8h 45m

05:50

21:20

8h 45m

06:05

Camel Travel

437,000 VND ($16.80)

To Vietnam Travel Phong Nha Office

VIP Cabin

338 Tran Khat Chan

19:30

10h

05:30

To Vietnam Travel

445,000 VND ($17.10)

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

VIP Cabin

208 D. Tran Quang Khai

21:00

06:00

Green Trips

455,000 VND ($17.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phong Nha

Luxury Sleeping

Hanoi

19:00

9h 20m

4:20

Hung Long

450,000 VND ($17.30)

Get Your Tickets

Central Backpackers Hostel - Phong Nha

Luxury Sleeping

8 Bat Su, Old Quarter

21:30

06:30

TBus

489,000 VND ($18.80)

Get Your Tickets

Phong Nha

VIP 20 Seats

70 Nguyen Huu Huan Street

22:00

07:00

Vietnam Luxury Travel

575,000 VND ($22)

Phong Nha SSB

VIP Sleeping

Hanoi SSB

21:00

8h 20m

05:20

21:45

8h 20m

06:05

Grouptour - obsolete

601,000 VND ($23)

Nam Anh Hotel (opposite)

VIP Cabin

Hung Long Hanoi Office

19:45

9h 20m

05:05

Hung Long

627,000 VND ($24)

Get Your Tickets

To Vietnam Travel Phong Nha Office

VIP Cabin

Nuoc Ngam Bus Station

18:45

10h

04:45

To Vietnam Travel

666,000 VND ($26)

Get Your Tickets

Show 12 more operator(s)

Hung Thanh is another bus operator for this route. However, we don’t recommend travelling with them because they get bad reviews. These include overloading, rude staff, and dirty buses. If you still want to travel with Hung Thanh, you can book a ticket through Phong Nha Locals.

Phong Nha to Hanoi by Train

Duration: 11h 30m - 14h

Costs: 497,000 VND ($19.10)

Duration: 11h 30m - 14h

Costs: 497,000 VND ($19.10)

When taking the train from Phong Nha to Hanoi, you first have to get to Dong Hoi Railway Station. This station is located about 40 km south of Phong Nha.

If you decide to take the train, we recommend picking one that travels overnight from Phong Nha to Hanoi. This way, you don’t lose a full day on the journey. You also get to have a good night’s sleep and even save one night on accommodation.

Step 1: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Railway Station by Bus

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Costs: 50,000 VND ($1.90)

Duration: 1-1.5 hours

Costs: 50,000 VND ($1.90)

From Phong Nha, you can take the local bus to Dong Hoi for just 50,000 VND ($1.90). Bus 4 departs from Phong Nha city centre every hour from 06:00 to 17:00. There’s a catch though, this bus stops at the Central Bus Station, located about 1 km from Dong Hoi Railway Station.

This means that from the bus drop-off point in Dong Hoi, you’ll still need to walk for about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride to the train station.

If that is too much hassle for you, you can also take a direct taxi from your hotel in Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Railway Station. Rates start from 400,000 VND ($15.40) for the 1-hour taxi journey.

For a more detailed guide, do check out our page on Dong Hoi.

Step 2: Dong Hoi to Hanoi by Train

Duration: 10h 30m - 12h 30m

Costs: 445,000 VND ($17.10)

Duration: 10h 30m - 12h 30m

Costs: 445,000 VND ($17.10)

There are 4 to 5 trains operating daily from Phong Nha to Hanoi via Dong Hoi. Most of these trains travel from early evening to morning the next day. Travel time is around 10h 30m - 12h 30m.

This gives you plenty of time to go through your photos and maybe update your Instagram before enjoying a nice sleep at your train cabin. The sunrise in Hanoi will welcome you the next morning!

Rates for a 4-berth sleeper from Dong Hoi to Hanoi start from 445,000 VND ($17.10).

It’s best to confirm the train schedules and even book your tickets beforehand to make sure you don’t miss your desired train. You can do this via BookAway and Baolau.

Trains depart from Dong Hoi Railway Station and arrive at Hanoi Train Station, located 2 km southwest of the Old Quarter.

Dong Hoi

Second Class Seat

Hanoi

17:05

11h 30m

04:35

Vietnam Railways

445,000 VND ($17.10)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Seat

Hanoi

07:02

12h 10m

19:12

Vietnam Railways

468,000 VND ($18)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Seat

Hanoi

18:49

10h 51m

05:40

Vietnam Railways

476,000 VND ($18.30)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Seat

Hanoi

21:52

12h 18m

10:10

Vietnam Railways

489,000 VND ($18.80)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Seat

Hanoi

19:30

10h 30m

06:00

Vietnam Railways

497,000 VND ($19.10)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

23:55

11h 45m

11:40

Vietnam Railways

762,000 VND ($29)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Sleeper

Hanoi

07:02

12h 10m

19:12

Vietnam Railways

775,000 VND ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Sleeper

Hanoi

17:05

11h 30m

04:35

Vietnam Railways

788,000 VND ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Sleeper

Hanoi

21:52

12h 18m

10:10

Vietnam Railways

807,000 VND ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Sleeper

Hanoi

18:49

10h 51m

05:40

Vietnam Railways

827,000 VND ($32)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Second Class Sleeper

Hanoi

19:30

10h 30m

06:00

Vietnam Railways

846,000 VND ($33)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

07:02

12h 10m

19:12

Vietnam Railways

890,000 VND ($34)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

07:02

12h 10m

19:12

Vietnam Railways

893,000 VND ($34)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

17:05

11h 30m

04:35

Vietnam Railways

924,000 VND ($36)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

17:05

11h 30m

04:35

Vietnam Railways

924,000 VND ($36)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

18:49

10h 51m

05:40

Vietnam Railways

955,000 VND ($37)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

18:49

10h 51m

05:40

Vietnam Railways

955,000 VND ($37)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

19:30

10h 30m

06:00

Vietnam Railways

981,000 VND ($38)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Shared Cabin For 4

Hanoi

18:49

10h 41m

05:30

NewLivitrans Express

1,228,000 VND ($47)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Shared Cabin For 4

Hanoi

19:30

10h 25m

05:55

NewLivitrans Express

1,231,000 VND ($47)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Cabin 2 X

Hanoi

23:55

11h 45m

11:40

Vietnam Railways

1,457,000 VND ($56)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Shared Cabin For 4

Hanoi

18:49

10h 51m

5:40

19:30

10h 30m

6:00

NewLivitrans Express

1,400,000 VND ($54)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Shared Cabin For 4

Hanoi

23:45

11h 55m

11:40

Laman Express

1,847,000 VND ($71)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Cabin 2 X

Hanoi

19:30

10h 30m

06:00

Vietnam Railways

1,874,000 VND ($72)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

First Class Sleeper

Hanoi

23:45

11h 55m

11:40

Laman Express

3,357,000 VND ($130)

Get Your Tickets

Dong Hoi

Premium Class

Hanoi

23:45

11h 55m

11:40

Laman Express

3,825,000 VND ($145)

Get Your Tickets

Show 21 more operator(s)

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Phong Nha to Hanoi by Flight

Duration: 3h

Costs: 865,000 VND ($33)

Duration: 3h

Costs: 865,000 VND ($33)

The third option is to fly from Phong Nha to Hanoi via Dong Hoi. The disadvantage of this option is that you first have to take a bus or taxi from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport and then another bus from Hanoi Airport to the city centre.

When you include the waiting time for your flight as well as the time it takes to check-in and get your luggage, you’re already looking at a 6-hour journey. We think that taking a flight is too much hassle considering you can take a direct bus.

Do you still want to take a flight from Phong Nha to Hanoi? See the step-by-step guide below.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport by Bus/Taxi

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 50,000 VND ($1.90)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 50,000 VND ($1.90)

When travelling from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport, you can take either a bus or a taxi for 1 hour.

The bus is quite convenient and affordable. Just catch Bus 4, which departs from the main road in Phong Nha and drops you off just outside the airport. A ticket costs only 865,000 VND ($33).

Bus 4 operates daily from 06:00 to 17:00 with an hourly interval. Note that it has no definite schedule and if you miss the bus for the hour, you’ll have to wait a while for the next bus.

If you’re short on time, you can also take a taxi from Phong Nha to Dong Hoi Airport. Rates start from 400,000 VND ($15.40) when you hail a taxi from the street. You can also pre-book your ride via BookAway for 576,000 VND ($22).

See our page on Dong Hoi for more info.

Book a Private Transfer with BookAway

Step 2: Dong Hoi to Hanoi by Flight

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 770,000 VND ($30)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 770,000 VND ($30)

Direct flights are available daily from Dong Hoi to Hanoi. These are operated by Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways.

Airfares start from 770,000 VND ($30) when you book your tickets well in advance. We also recommend regularly checking Skyscanner for the cheapest rates, as you can sometimes book this route for as low as 660,000 VND ($25).

The flight time takes around 1 hour.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 3: Hanoi Airport to City Centre by Bus

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 45,000 VND ($1.70)

Duration: 1 hour

Costs: 45,000 VND ($1.70)

From Hanoi Airport, you can conveniently get to the city centre by taking Express Bus 86. A ticket costs only 45,000 VND ($1.70) and travel time is about 1 hour. Inform the driver beforehand where your hotel is located so he can drop you off at the nearest bus stop.

Express Bus 86 makes several drops near the Old Quarter before making its final stop at Hanoi Railway Station.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Hanoi Airport to the city centre with rates from 230,000 VND ($8.80).

Visit our page on Hanoi Airport for more transport options.

Where to travel next?

Hanoi to Sapa: 6-9 hours

Explore the rice fields in Sapa

Hanoi to CatBa: 3.5-4 hours

Enjoy the stunning views of the karst mountains

Hanoi to Ninh Binh: 2-3 hours

Paddle through the Tam Coc or Trang An river while passing karst mountains and rice fields

Hanoi to Hoi An: 3-17 hours

Enjoy the great atmosphere of Hoi An with a mixture of Japanese, Vietnamese and French influences

Best places to stay in Hanoi

Siva Luxury Hotel - Budget Friendly

Just landed in Hanoi? In this hotel, you will get the best night of sleep you had since ages. The friendly staff will give you a warm welcome and serve a wonderful breakfast buffet the next morning! Located in the middle of the centre, but completely isolated from all the noise.

Double rooms with city view from: $42

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Phong Nha to Hanoi

What is the distance from Phong Nha to Hanoi?

The distance from Phong Nha to Hanoi is 500 kilometers (311 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi?

The fastest way to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi is by flight and takes 3 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi?

The cheapest way to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi is by bus with ticket costs starting from 351,000 VND ($13.50).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phong Nha to Hanoi. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

[ss_social_share]

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.